This piece is from the mid-19th century or possibly earlier. The ground in undyed cotton, now in a golden beige tone, has developed a patina that comes with age. Its unusual design makes in difficult to determine whether it is from Bukhara or Shahkrisabz. But is a stunning suzani with very fine embroidery and great artistic quality. The large scale palmettes and floral sprays that dominate the border, which in turn dominates the piece, are masterpieces of sophisticated design and great technical skill. Virtually no two are the same. The daring and confidence with which they are rendered is combined with a warm colour palette of orange and coral red. The curving vine in blue /black indigo winds like an arabesque around them. The central field – often seen as a prayer rug (mihrab) format – is on a smaller scale than the border but filled with rosettes, stylised flowers and curving vine.